Field assessment of somaclonal variation during somatic embryogenesis in bitter Fennel

SummaryTwenty-eight clones of bitter Fennel, obtained through somatic embryogenesis from explants of one single mother clone, have been compared to this mother clone in a randomized field trial designed to assess the intensity of somaclonal variation appearing during somatic embryogenesis. Noticeable differences have been observed in biometric characters or in the essential oil composition of several clones. Moreover, most of clones set less fruit than the control. Results indicate that somatic embryogenesis is not suitable for micropropagation but could possibly be used for breeding.